Bio
Mike Kendall is the Head of Department and Chair of Geophysics at the University of Oxford Earth Sciences Department. His research interests encompass both pure and applied seismology across various scales. He is a seismologist who has conducted extensive work in diverse climates, from the hottest regions like Ethiopia to the coldest, such as Antarctica. His research delves into the Earth’s depths, exploring topics like plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and ice sheets. He has led seismic field experiments in various environments, including deploying ocean-bottom seismometers along the mid-Atlantic Ridge and utilizing fiber-optic arrays to study ice-quakes in Antarctica. Additionally, he is passionate about understanding the role of geophysics in meeting global energy needs. Professor initiated the BUMPS research consortium and boasts a robust track record in seismic monitoring, particularly in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) sites.
His was previously the BGS Professor of Geophysics at the University of Bristol. He earned his PhD from Queen’s University in Canada and served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the USA. He has held faculty positions at the University of Toronto and the University of Leeds. Additionally, he has served as president of the British Geophysical Association and as Vice-President (Geophysics) of the Royal Astronomical Society. In 2011, Professor was elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, followed by being elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 2019 and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2022.
Professor received the RAS’s highest honor, the Gold Medal, awarded for exemplary research or lifetime achievement, with only two given annually for geophysics and astronomy. It recognizes outstanding research and contributions to education and scientific administration. Throughout his career, he has guided 37 students to earn their doctoral degrees, currently oversees the progress of 7 more, and has collaborated with 28 postdoctoral researchers.
Abstract
The transition to net zero will place unprecedented demand on a wide variety of critical raw materials needed for the generation, storage and transmission of renewable energy. Equitable access to sustainable and environmentally friendly natural resources is a key challenge in the energy transition. The University of Oxford is addressing this challenge through a newly launched research programme (Oxford EARTH) that links 9 Departments across a range of disciplines.
The research themes that will be covered in the programme include: Critical metals (e.g., copper, lithium, REEs, etc,); Critical gases (hydrogen and helium); Microbial metal recovery and reuse (e.g., waste recycling, biomanufacturing, etc.); Environmental impact (e.g., bioremediation, waste treatment, hazards, etc.); Circular economy (supply chain analysis, recycling, repurposing); History and ethics; social license; Policy and regulation.
The first Oxford EARTH project investigates the co-recovery of geothermal energy and critical metals on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat. Funded by the Oxford Martin School, the programme brings together a collaborative team of researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including Earth Sciences, Economics, Geography, Chemistry, History and Law, to deliver results in-line with the Natural Resource Governance Institute’s Natural Resources Charter and consider the interconnected issues across the broad themes of Resources, Rights, Risks and Resilience.
At Responsible Raw Materials 2025, Mike will discuss the development of the Oxford EARTH programme, and how fostering collaboration between academia, industry, policymakers, and communities can help shape a more prosperous and sustainable future
